SFPD use-of-force training ’emphasizes’ de-escalation

The 911 call: a “transient” loitering in Golden Gate Park where neighbors have been complaining about narcotics use and noise.

I arrive with a baton, some pepper spray, and a firearm. But mostly, I’m supposed to use my words.

I do.

“Sir, you can’t be loitering here,” I say.

“I didn’t do anything – I live here,” he shouts. “I didn’t do anything, just leave me alone.”

“Let’s sit down and talk about this,” I say.

This goes on for a minute. He then throws his beer bottle to the ground and begins swinging his arms aggressively as if to fight. I use pepper spray, and he falls on the ground.

This enactment was one of ten or so situations the San Francisco Police Department offered reporters to try earlier this week – part of an effort to give the media a sense of the department’s new use-of-force training put into place in December of last year.